Sometimes women just need a short getaway — a weekend of bliss and relaxation, perhaps close to home or perhaps as a layover from another trip. In the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area of Florida, the clear choice is the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.
I was coming in with a girlfriend from a long overseas journey from Norway, that included two flights (the last a long 9-hour overseas flight). Instead of continuing directly home to Texas, we opted to spend 24 hours en route at the Marriott Harbor resort.
What an excellent choice that turned out to be.
Instead of running exhausted and suffering jet lag, we checked into this oasis on our evening of arrival back into the states, where after a 15-minute drive from the Fort Lauderdale airport, we were welcomed with a quick and easy check-in and presented with our bracelets that included the daily resort amenity package. This included two drink tickets for the cocktail of the day or another drink, and so we quickly unloaded our luggage in our room and headed straight down to the beachside bar/restaurant, Sea Level.
There we enjoyed a glass of wine by the pool, looking out over the ocean and letting our jet lag and travel fatigue melt away. The next morning we woke leisurely and headed down to Riva Restaurant for a lovely breakfast.
(Tip: While Riva boasts an expansive breakfast buffet, check over the menu first. I had the Rock Shrimp Hash and it was nothing short of scrumptious).
I continued to ease my travel weariness away with a relaxing massage in the spa. The 22,000-square-foot spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments, a private spa pool and fitness center with ocean views. Afterwards I sat in the sauna and steam rooms, then read out by the quiet pool reserved just for the spa (overlooking the all-access resort pool).
Afterwards I walked on the private beach and had a late lunch with a glass of wine at the Sea Level Restaurant before continuing my journey onward. Highlighted by a pristine, oceanfront location with its own private beach, it’s a lovely stroll along the white sand coastline. Or grab a beach umbrella and mat (included with your Resort Band). Feeling more active? Try a snorkeling tour, water sports or fitness class.
It was the perfect way to spend 24 hours enjoying the beach, spa, and resort amenities — whether as a stopover like us, or for a local overnight or weekend getaway.
DETAILS:
3030 Holiday Drive
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
800-222-6543
http://www.harborbeachmarriott.com
This is the best place to relax after a series of stress from work and from people and pollution.